Paul Weller - Wake Up The Nation

The gamut of British musical talent that is indebted to Paul Weller spans many years and countless bands. I imagine Alex Turner, Noel Gallagher, Kelly Jones queuing outside Weller’s study, waiting to request songwriting guidance from The Modfather, whose contribution to guitar music in this country is incredible. Wake Up the Nation ushers Don Weller into the fifth decade of his career, and rather fittingly, is a showcase of his chameleonic talents as he meanders from one musical discipline to the next, always having fun in the process, like a well-trained dog at Crufts. Perhaps it’s the influence of former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton (with whom Weller said working was “easy, a laugh and we just slipped back into it.”) that makes the album work so well as both a collection of and as individual ideas. Whatever his trick is, I doubt very many, if any songsmiths from the 2010s will still be producing music of this calibre when they hit the big five-oh.

The first three tracks outline the atmosphere and mission of the album. In the energy and catchy hooks of opener ‘Moonshine’, Weller finds himself firmly back in the USSR, punchy vocals and thrilling edginess to boot. The title track swiftly follows with a brand of shouting indie rock reminiscent of previous solo efforts, as well as early Jam records. Perhaps it is mere coincidence that weeks before a general election the outspoken socialist cries 'Wake up the nation/Don’t be no drag', but I like to think otherwise. Second single ‘No Tears to Cry’, then lays out the heart and soul of 50s and 60s motown with charming songwriting craft.

This is, without doubt, the most Beatles-ish piece of work that the Modfather has produced to date. ‘Andromeda’ and ‘In Amsterdam’ melodically waltz and swirl around the room á la Magical Mystery Tour and, ‘She Speaks’ and ‘Aim High’ provide psychedelic musings for the listener to contemplate. Few tracks venture beyond the three minute mark, adding to the experimental, turbulent and thrilling experience.

The album evolves again as it enters its final phase: powerful pop bounces back into play with hints of Slade and Oasis, particularly on ‘Find the Torch/Burn the Plans’ and ‘Up the Dosage’. ‘Trees’ is without doubt the highlight; its lyrics are evocative and thoughtful as it weaves skilfully through the spectrum of musical variety with each verse. For all the differing influences and styles present, however, Weller never loses sight of the impassioned vocals, raw guitar and atmospheric backing that hold together the feel of the record.

Wake Up the Nation sounds like, and most probably is, a thrown together collection of melodies, riffs and ideas lying around in the attic of Paul Weller’s head, just below that evergreen floppy haircut. This could have resulted in a disaster of an album, but instead it works superbly. Weller’s experience as a creator and experimenter gives him an ability to mould and shape any basic idea, so he can drop it into an album seamlessly and attractively. This explains the enjoyable and interesting experience of the album; every soulful and creative embryo is presented immaculately and all are glued together efficiently. It also explains Paul Weller’s longevity. As many rock and roll greats sleep with the fishes, here’s hoping that the Modfather keeps delivering quality for years to come.

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